Braun & Hogenberg's Civitates Orbis Terrarum or "Cities of the World" was published between 1572 and 1617. Within the six volumes, 531 towns and cities were depicted on 363 plates, providing the reader with the pleasures of travel without the attendant discomforts. Braun wrote in the preface to the third book, "What could be more pleasant than, in one's own home far from all danger, to gaze in these books at the universal form of the earth . . . adorned with the splendor of cities and fortresses and, by looking at pictures and reading the texts accompanying them, to acquire knowledge which could scarcely be had but by long and difficult journeys?" Braun and Hogenberg incorporated an astonishing wealth of information into each scene beyond the city layout and important buildings. The plates provide an impression of the economy and prominent occupations, and illustrate local costumes, manners and customs.

This sheet includes bird's-eye views of the cities of Flensburg and Itzehoe. The view of Flensburg shows the city from the east, with the Flensburg Fjord in the foreground. The church of St. Nicholas is at far left and the Duburg castle is at far right. The lower view of Itzehoe shows the city on the Stör River, with the Gothic church of St. Lawrence, which was destroyed in the Danish-Swedish War in 1657. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 307; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #1324.

Condition: A

A nice impression with minor foxing and chips on the sides of the sheet, well away from the image.